Key West
Florida Keys

Key West

Destination Overview

If you’ve always thought Key West was the perfect honeymoon destination, you’re quite right, it is. The temperature is a balmy 75 degrees in the winter, palm trees sway in the gentle tropical breeze, the sun shines over the turquoise waters, and there are miles and miles of soft sand beaches. There are nature preserves full of birds and wildlife, dolphin-watching trips, sunset cruises, beach sports, and exciting nightlife downtown. And your brightly colored drink will have a tiny umbrella propped on the edge of the glass, as you drink a toast to your Key West honeymoon and future happiness.

Key West is a small island, just four miles by one mile, but it packs a lot of fun, adventure, history, and excitement. You could spend your days lazing on the beach, or take some time to explore the Old Town and its history. Key West has lured many artists and writers, including Ernest Hemingway. He made his home here and his former residence is now a museum. Take a trolley ride to explore downtown Key West and its museums and history, and take in the art galleries, live performances, restaurants, bars, and shopping.

If you and your partner enjoy watersports, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skis and parasailing, this is your idea of heaven. Explore the coral reefs and mysterious sunken ships, play a round of golf in perfect conditions with lush tropical scenery and ocean views, or pick up a game of beach volleyball. Join in a Key West tradition and celebrate the sunset every evening at Mallory Square in Key West Harbor.

You’ll find a range of accommodations to suit your tastes and budget, and wherever you choose to stay, the beach is never far away. With so many visitors, Key West is also a foodie destination with gourmet dining, fresh seafood, and a range of ethnic cuisines. Winter is the best time to visit, when temperatures are comfortable and the weather is less humid.

LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity
To say that Key West is an attractive destination for LGBTQIA+ couples would be an understatement. In fact, the city commission voted unanimously to adopt the motto “One Human Family” in 2000 to reflect its values. The community prides itself on inclusion, resulting in a casual atmosphere that is bliss for honeymooning couples.

In addition to having the vast majority of the area’s gay nightclubs and resorts, the area is home to numerous annual events that have gained national attention. These include Key West Pride in June, complete with a parade down the area’s lovely streets, and both Tropical Heat and Womenfest Key West in August and September, respectively. When it’s time to sit down to a delicious meal, couples can choose from numerous gay-owned restaurants and top it off with the best slice of key lime pie available anywhere in the world.

About Key West

At a Glance

  • BEST PLACE FOR A SELFIE: Key West is one of a small archipelago of islands in the Straits of Florida, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It is the southernmost point in the continental US, officially marked by a red, black and yellow buoy on Whitehead Street, which has become a favorite spot for a selfie.
  • MEET THE DOLPHINS: Take a cruise to the dolphin playground and meet these playful creatures in their natural environment.
  • EXPLORE THE CORAL REEF: The warm, crystal clear waters around the island make for perfect conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving. Sunken ships, old and new, provide a home for the corals and marine life. If you prefer not to get your feet wet, you can take a cruise in a glass-bottomed boat to see the reef.
  • DIVERS PARADISE: Divers will discover a fascinating world underwater tee in with life – you’ll see brightly-colored parrot fish, squid, barracuda, and maybe an occasional American crocodile, an endangered species.
  • PARTY TOWN: As a favorite tourist destination, Key West is famous for its night life. Stop in one of the popular restaurants or bars on Duval Street or discover your own place on a side street. Enjoy the fresh-caught local seafood and different kinds of cuisines – French, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, German, Slavic, Italian, Polish and Cuban.
  • HISTORIC AND CITY TOURS: Take a trolley ride through the Old Town and learn about a colorful past full of wars, pirates, commerce, shipping, film stars, artists and writers from your knowledgeable guide.
  • GO WILD: Nature parks like the Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson, Fort Zachary Taylor and Bahia Honda are home to the rich wildlife of the region. You’ll see plenty of birds including pelicans, herons, egrets, owl, and hawks, and perhaps catch a glimpse of bird migrations at the Great Florida Birding Trail in Fort Zachary Taylor Park. One of the best ways to go nature watching is by kayak.

Honeymoon Hints

  • Take a picnic to the iconic Key West Lighthouse, located in Key West Old Town.
  • There’s no better way to celebrate your honeymoon in the Florida Keys than a sunset cruise on a sailboat.
  • Many restaurants have special Sunday brunches with champagne and mimosas.
  • Join the residents in the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration at Key West Harbor, with pop-up craft stalls and street performers as the sun goes down on yet another beautiful day. They do this every evening.
  • Take an unforgettable scenic drive on the Seven Mile Bridge, which is part of the US Overseas Highway that connects the Keys to the mainland. This incredible piece of engineering runs over open ocean and is the southernmost portion of US Route 1, which goes all the way north to south along the east coast.

Travel Tips

  • GETTING THERE: The main airport in the Florida Keys is the Key West International Airport (EYW) with connections to most major US airports. There are also shuttle services connecting the Keys to Miami airport. You can drive the spectacular Route 1 to Key West, and also arrive by boat or take the ferry from Ft. Myers and Marco Island.
  • GETTING AROUND: Key West is a small island and easy to get around on foot, and by bike. There are various local transportation options including taxis, buses, pedi-cabs and trolleys. Most hotels offer shuttle bus services to the downtown area.
  • WEATHER: Florida has comfortable, dry winter weather from November to May and hot and humid summers from June through October. Hurricane season in Florida is officially from June 1 to Nov. 30. If you plan to travel between those dates, keep a close eye on the weather forecast.
  • WHEN TO GO: December to May is the peak travel season in the Florida Keys. The ‘shoulder season’ months are March and September to November, when the weather is pleasant, and you can avoid the crowds and high rates.